Alaska News

Anchorage may see 6 inches of snow on Hillside by Saturday morning

Kiss autumn goodbye.

The National Weather Service issued a winter weather advisory Friday afternoon, predicting up to 6 inches of snow overnight for parts of Anchorage above 500 feet, with just an inch expected at lower elevations. The first snowfall of Anchorage's longest season was expected to begin about 9 p.m. and last 12 hours.

Earlier forecasts mentioned the possibility of snow, but predicted no accumulation at sea level.

"Travel may be difficult," noted the National Weather Service advisory. "Visibilities will be limited in heavy snowfall. Be prepared for snow-covered roads."

The precipitation comes as a large early winter storm in the Gulf of Alaska moves into Prince William Sound Friday night, bringing a mix of rain and snow to broad swath of Southcentral Alaska. Snow was falling in the Copper River Basin by late Friday afternoon. By mid-day Saturday, the front was expected to have moved into Interior Alaska.

As the storm continues north, Fairbanks is expecting up to 4 inches accumulation, with blowing snow the heaviest in the hilly sections of town.

By early afternoon Friday, the Glenn Highway near Glennallen was already snow covered.

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